Manchester United legend Roy Keane has delivered a surprise verdict on the incident involving Bruno Fernandes and Phil Foden during the derby.
Heated moment
The derby got off to a furious start when Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute after a heated clash between him and Fernandes.
The United captain floored Foden before taunting him with a dig, baiting the City star into kicking out in retaliation.
Fernandes hit the floor in pain. Referee Michael Oliver showed Foden an instant red card, reducing the visitors to 10 men. It didn’t matter too much for City as they went on to win 1-0 courtesy of Erling Haaland’s controversial goal in the 60th minute.
Refereeing body Pro Ref later released a statement confirming that VAR made a blunder and Haaland’s goal should not have stood.
Speaking on Sky Sports about the incident between Fernandes and Foden, Keane was not sympathetic towards the United playmaker.
Keane’s view
The Irishman said, “We have to be fair and ask did the player give the referee a chance and Foden is a bit daft but so is Bruno here. If Bruno got sent off just for that we’d be saying Bruno was a bit daft and a bit silly.”
“You can’t be rolling around. Bruno’s got to do better there. People saying there’s tension there, it’s a big game but you’ve got to after your teammates and the opposition players as well. Foden, I don’t think it’s a red card.”
Keane continued, “Foden gets up and reacts obviously so he’s now sent off.”
“Fernandes catches him and gives him a little kick. I guess it’s classed as violent. But Fernandes is the one who is violent here; I don’t think Foden should have a red card.”
Enzo Maresca accepted that Foden’s red card was the right call, yet fumed that Fernandes should have walked too.
United return to action on Wednesday when they face Brighton & Hove Albion in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
Featured image by Michael Regan via Getty Images
Latest Top Stories…
Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
